Press Releases

Washington D.C. (June 12, 2015) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) has issued the following statement on the passage of H.R. 1314, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA):

“After weeks of reading and independent research by myself and staff regarding TPA, I believe this bill is needed in order to give Congress the level of oversight essential to controlling a President who has demonstrated a complete lack of regard for the rule of law.

“With the passage of TPA, Congress is taking the lead in setting our nation’s trade priorities and guaranteeing that Congress has a seat at the table in negotiating international trade agreements. Trade Promotion Authority puts greater transparency and accountability at the forefront. This bill empowers Congress to sit in on negotiations, conduct vigorous oversight, and hold the Administration accountable. Under this legislation, the President is required to make any and all deals accessible to the public for 60 days before Congress can consider the agreement. Furthermore, if the President does not follow the rules of TPA, either House of Congress can independently remove TPA, without consent of the other chamber.

“While the Executive branch has always had the constitutional authority to negotiate trade deals, this President has shown a disregard for our constitutional checks and balances. TPA acts as a safeguard to guarantee the rule of law and restrains the President from entering into secretive trade deals.

“Most importantly, TPA does not give the President additional power; rather, it acts as a rulebook on Executive Power, setting the trade negotiation objectives for the President. If the President fails to comply, Congress can hit the brakes, cancel the vote, and stop the agreement.

“TPA is essential to ensuring America remains competitive among our international peers and holding the President accountable. Simply put, strengthening American trade is not only good for business, but for the American people.”

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For more information Trade Promotion Authority please visit the TPA info page on this website by clicking HERE

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) represents Georgia's 11th Congressional District, which includes all of Bartow and Cherokee counties and portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. Rep. Loudermilk serves as a member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Science, Space and Technology. He may be reached at (202) 225-2931 or by email at barry.loudermilk@mail.house.gov.